FEB. 11, 2014: Proving he’s a professional showman himself (as if we didn’t already know!), President John saved the day and ensured that we would “go on with the show” by providing a last minute program when this year’s unpredictable weather foiled the Historic Charleston Rotary Club’s speaker plans.
Smoothly stepping up with little notice and no accompaniment except a staff for rhythm, Anne Caldwell, Charleston’s “first lady of jazz,” entertained attendees with Low Country Music and Spirituals. The songs that she selected reflect the history and cleverness of slaves who communicated coded messages through music that combined elements of English and of African based expressions—the language of “The Ancestors.” Whether singing or confounding listeners with the evolving Gullah language, Africans used ancient words and concepts to preserve aspects of the culture they left behind in Africa. Their music not only communicated information they didn’t want others to hear, it also set the pace of their work in the rice paddies and later the cotton fields. We hear it now as the haunting or rousing spirituals so beloved around the world. Thank you, Anne, for giving us such a treat with your knowledge of Low Country history and your beautiful voice.
Two committee reports followed. Michael Saboe brought us up to date on Water Missions International and the decision to pursue a return to Peru for our project thereby taking advantage of our previous work there and the existing infrastructure. Paul Stoney reported on the excellent continuing relationship with James Simmons school through John Channel’s Windows program and Paul and Doug Holmes’ tennis lessons. Ken Caldwell continues to provide leadership and support for the Literacy program and swim lessons continue at the YMCA. Paul noted that Rotary not only supplies Rotary Readers for students but also provides book bags, coats, school supplies, and desks in students’ homes.
— Submitted by Cheryl Kaynard, Keyway Committee